Occupations25-4031.00

Library Technicians

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference.

Median annual pay
$39,970

BLS, 2024

Employment
78,600

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
-6.8%

2024–34

Annual openings
13,000

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Reserve, circulate, renew, and discharge books and other materials.
  2. 02Answer routine telephone or in-person reference inquiries, referring patrons to librarians for further assistance, when necessary.
  3. 03Help patrons find and use library resources, such as reference materials, audio-visual equipment, computers, and other electronic resources and provide technical assistance when needed.
  4. 04Deliver and retrieve items throughout the library by hand or using pushcart.
  5. 05Process print and non-print library materials to prepare them for inclusion in library collections.
  6. 06Catalogue and sort books and other print and non-print materials according to procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas.
  7. 07Enter and update patrons' records on computers.
  8. 08Provide assistance to teachers and students by locating materials and helping to complete special projects.
  9. 09Compile and maintain records relating to circulation, materials, and equipment.
  10. 10Take actions to halt disruption of library activities by problem patrons.
  11. 11Maintain and troubleshoot problems with library equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and audio-visual equipment.
  12. 12Check for damaged library materials, such as books or audio-visual equipment, and provide replacements or make repairs.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingLearning StrategiesWritingActive LearningMonitoringMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 78,600 in 2024 to 73,200 in 2034, a -6.8% change.

BLS projects an average of 13,000 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.